13 years ago....

[Sentrosi]

This post is a couple of days late. I had to deal with strep throat which wasn't fun. Anyways....

This post won't matter to anyone here, and I'll either get no responses or flamed, but I'm made of teflon, and all that stuff bounces right off me. It's become a tradition of sorts for me to do this, so here goes.

13 years ago, on August 1st, 1990 I flew across country to join the United States Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician. I was a regular joe with the typical girlfriend at home waiting for me, and embarking on a world of adventure.

Boot Camp. San Diego, California.

We are awakened to the sound of three garbage cans thrown down the center isle. I then have a huge black man telling me that I had to get up out of bed with sweats and shoes on in 10 seconds or else my ass was grass. Even befor the words were out of his mouth my shit was together and standing tall beside my bunk. The Company Commander then goes into a lengthy discussion on how we're all supposed to walk out of these barracks and march to breakfast, 3 miles away. Not too hard I'm thinking, and after getting my stocking cap on we form up outside. I then began a routine that wouldn't end until October 7th when I graduated from Basic Training. With classes to attend, gear to fold correctly, shoes to be shined and all the other associated stuff that needs to be done, I can say that I had a great time at Boot Camp. Sure, if one of our mates fucked up we all got mashed, but that was about the only thing I hated, and even that wasn't all that bad. Just keeping your mouth shut, do as your told, and remember that it's all a game they play and you've pretty much mastered boot camp.

In the 4 years I was in the Navy, I have been to:
1) Rota, Spain
2) Sigonella, Sicily
3) London, England (only for a day for an air show)
4) Rosey Roads, Puerto Rico
5) Key West, Florida
6) New Brunswick, Maine
7) Detroit, Michigan (My squadrons home city)

Have I seen the world? No, my brother has that distinction right now. He's been to the desert 3 times and participated in the recent war with Iraq, Korea, Japan and will be heading to Italy come end of September. But why am I telling you all this?

Simple.

I would not have chosen otherwise with my life.

I had no direction, no real skills I could offer the world. I didn't want to go to college and wanted to do stuff that I could tell my kids I did and that I was proud of. Call it a recruitment poster, call me a warmonger, I don't care. I have read things on here less appealing and have read things that have moved me. Take from this what you will.

[EineBeBoP]

So... its kinda late, and im tired....

Check one.
[] I liked the Navy [] I did not like the Navy.

Thank you!

[Squeeky]

That's awesome.

I am going to definetly look at all my options early. I would love to travel, and i definetly want a good 4 years of college under my belt. I want to do internships for whatever i chose to do, and i wan't to make sure i'm on top of the game early. But i never really pondered about the military, how did you receive your education may i ask? Did you receive it at your first "Station"

Thanks

[NeoTassadar]

Well, it's been looking to me like I'm going to join the Navy for a while. That early of a retirement, plus the education, pretty much all those benefits look damn appealing. Serve the country I love, for the principles it was based on (although principles today have gone to nothing). Hope I get stationed on a carrier (Well protected, we can't realisticly afford to lose one), work hard, hope I get noticed for promotions, etc. Hell, my Calculus and Physics classes might even get me stationed on a console. Might even continue after mandatory time, if they let you. But, I got just under another year to get my shit together and figure out what to do.

[Navaron]

Semper Fi baby, Semper Fi.

[Lonehunter]

I'm all ready waiting to go to boot camp for the marines. I'm waiting for a letter in the mail telling "Get the hell out of your house and come stay with the marines! You'll be sweared at, abused, neglected, yelled at, shot at, all so you can serve you're country! We'll save a bunk for'ya!" God I can't wait. (I don't know if this is what the letter will say but I'm waiting for one.)

[Onizuka]

I'm not big on traveling (costs teh money) or joining the navy. Though sounds pretty nice

[Squeeky]

yvan eht nioj (simpsons :rofl)

[Spider]

I am looking to join the canadian snipers/rangers. I might actually do some police training and then try going SWAT or something wich would give me an edge on the other ranger trainee's who for 3/4 of them don't make it thru the first weeks.

I have already been shot so I think I can take a couple other bullets before going down

[Manitou]

Joined the army at 17 in 1980. Transferred to the Air Force 4 years later.

I retire next year, and I will receive a retirement check for the rest of my life. Was it worth spending most of my life in the military? I have been to:

- Greece
- Italy
- Turkey
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Austria
- Canada

I have seen things and participated in things that have changed my life forever and made me into what I feel is a stronger and more capable human being.

Yeah, it is worth it. Hard, but definitely worth it.

[Lonehunter]

Originally posted by Squeeky
yvan eht nioj (simpsons :rofl)

I remember that one!!! Subliminal messeges.

yvan eht nioj
join the navy